Royal House of Shadows: Part 6 of 12

By Jill Monroe

Originally published as Lord of Rage.

Part 6 of 12 in the Royal House of Shadows serialization. All 12 parts were previously published as full books:• Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (Parts 1—3 of Royal House of Shadows)
• Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe (Parts 4—6 of Royal House of Shadows)
• Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (Parts 7—9 of Royal House of Shadows)
• Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (Parts 10—12 of Royal House of Shadows)

The berserker's wrath, the warrior's heart

Breena had awakened in the land ofthe Ursa with two desires: to survive, and to avenge. Now the warrior Osborn has awakenednew desires, but she knows that her destiny lies in Elden. To gather the knowledge shewill need to defeat the Blood Sorcerer, Breena must walk alone through the dreams of herfamily. But she wants Osborn by her side when she sets out for the final battle. As forOsborn, he cannot deny his feelings, but he fears that his berserker needs might mean thatthe princess is safer without him.

This installment is approximately 19K words

The story continues in Royal House of Shadows: Part 7 of 12

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
• Release date: Oct 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781488025044

Jill Monroe

Jill Monroe is an award-winning author of eight romance novels. She is convinced every person she meets is more than human, and spends most of her non-writing time trying to figure out if they’re Werewolf, Vampire, Zombie—or, in her husband’s case, Demon. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Visit her at JillMonroe.com.

Book preview

Princess Breena has been training with a berserker, knowing the time is coming when she will avenge her family. Osborn has the same goal: avenge his people. The problem is, his thirst for vengeance will bring him against the kingdom of Elden—Breena’s people. It appears that these two lovers are going to be at odds very soon...

Chapter 9

(Continued)

Breena ached everywhere. Even her ears seemed to hurt, and she didn’t know how that was possible. Her shoulders dragged, and it took her longer than usual to make it to her knees and roll up her pallet and shove it out of the way.

The sun shone brightly through the window. Well past their usual practice time. Osborn must have suspected she wouldn’t be much use with a sword today. Especially as he was the one who made her this way.

The bedroom door opened, and Bernt and Torben slunk inside the main room, looking not much better than she felt.

I don’t want to be an Ursan warrior anymore, Torben said.

Yes, you do, she told him with a smile. Grab some apples and bread. We can take our breakfast outside. The sunshine will do us some good.

Once outside, Breena raised her face to the sun, allowing its warm rays to heat her cheeks. She stretched, relieving the tightness of her aching muscles. A blue bird flew over their heads, and she smiled.

You seem different today, Bernt remarked. A small frown formed between his brows. You’re not wanting to leave us, are you?

It had never really occurred to her that the boys would begin enjoying her in their lives. She’d felt more like an intruder, one who’d broken their furniture and stolen their food. But now she realized they’d miss her when she left, and she’d miss them.

Would their brother?

I’ll have to go sometime. This isn’t my home.

But it could be, Torben told her. I saw Osborn clearing out some old furniture and crates out of the storeroom. I think he’s wanting to make it into a bedroom.

He doesn’t like you sleeping on the floor.

The thought of Osborn caring about her comfort, trying to find someplace better for her to sleep, made her heart leap.

I do like sleeping in front of the fire, she assured them. At home, I had a fireplace in my room. And besides, I’m too tired to do anything but just fall down on the floor and go to sleep.

The boys laughed.

I like it with you here, Bernt informed her.

Osborn does, too, Torben added. I can tell.

He’s a lot nicer. He doesn’t yell nearly as much.

Really? Because she thought he yelled a lot. All the time.

And he finally began our training.

He was already a warrior by the time he was our age, I think. Torben bit his lip. He doesn’t talk much of what happened to our parents and the rest of our people.

She squeezed the boys’ shoulders. I can imagine what he’s suffered. Is still suffering. Remember, he wasn’t much older than you when he took on the responsibility of two little boys. When you lose those you love, it changes you. But every day seems better than the last.

That was a lie. A comforting adage she so wanted to believe, wanted these boys to believe, but suspected it would never be true. Each day didn’t diminish the hurt, only added more time and distance so that it would be easier to forget.

Avenge.

Breena couldn’t forget. Something inside wouldn’t let her.

The man who was the topic of their conversation entered the clearing. Osborn never failed to make her breath catch. He looked different somehow. Less grim, and with an added resolve. She hoped that didn’t mean more balance practice. He’d tied his hair back, and wore the town clothes from just a few days ago. In fact, he carried several large packages in his massive arms.

Didn’t know if you crew would make it this morning, he told them, something similar to a smile curving his lips.

Bernt and Torben quickly scrambled to their feet.

Ready for more? he asked, but his eyes were squared on her. Get your swords, and head out to the practice field. I need to talk with Breena.

The boys raced to get their scabbards and then flew around the corner of the cottage, leaving her alone with Osborn. He carefully placed his packages on a crate that stood next to the front door, and the dream of last night hit her full force. The pain of it. The anguish. Every vivid detail. But mostly the comfort given as she cried.

Osborn had given her that comfort. Wiped her tears. Breena knew that now. He’d soothed the ache in her heart. If only for a few moments.

Avenge.

Only she could not be truly consoled. Not until the need planted in her consciousness had been relieved.

For the first time, Breena felt uncertain around him. Not sure how to act or where to look. Something in their uneasy relationship had changed in the night while she slept. She twisted her hands, then quickly thrust them behind her back.

I’ve been to the village, he told her.

I can see that, she replied, eyeing the packages.

His eyes narrowed, and his gaze scanned her face, brushed over her every feature. He rubbed his hand along the back of his neck, a gesture she’d seen often enough now to know something heavy weighed upon him.

I think I found a place where you can go, he finally told her, his gaze dropping.

Go?

There’s a woman in the village. She fell last winter and has trouble taking care of her home now. You’d have the entire second floor to yourself, and a little spending money.

What are you talking about?

You can’t continue to stay here, Breena, he told her with a shrug. It’s not right. Not a woman with three men.

Breena made a scoffing sound in the back of her throat. "Are you